Pretoria - The security measures put in place for the 2016 Local Government Elections are unfolding as planned.
Acting National Police Commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane on Wednesday said voting is taking place in a stable, peaceful and safe environment.
“As the law enforcement agencies of the country, we are confident that we have done our best to create a safe and secure environment for all South African people to peacefully make their mark.
“We shall remain in place to allow our citizens to celebrate the results of the voting in a peaceful environment,” General Phahlane told a media briefing in Pretoria on Election Day.
Millions of South Africans have braved the cold weather to cast their ballots in what has been called the most competitive elections since the dawn of democracy.
Over 75 000 police members have been deployed countrywide to ensure a safe and successful election process.
Nationally, all departments and agencies, together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), have deployed 279 291 personnel.
Over 18 government departments and agencies are performing duties with the SAPS at the National Joint Operational (NATJOINTS) Centre and Provincial Joint Operational Centres across the country.
“This enables NATJOINTS to be in a position, 24/7, to proactively or reactively rapidly respond to any situation or contingency at grass roots level,” said General Phahlane, who spent his morning visiting various areas across the country.
Duties being performed by police members include static protection duties at voting stations, escorting of voting material and IEC personnel, patrolling of hotspots, investigating reported offences and the deployment of roving reaction teams comprising members of SAPS’s most elite and highly trained units.
“We are proud to say that SAPS personnel have been deployed at every voting station as planned and that the opening of voting stations proceeded smoothly,” said General Phahlane.
Dealing with violence
He said there were a few incidents and disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions in provinces such as the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
In Vuwani in Limpopo, the situation remains stable. Phahlane confirmed that the three leaders that were arrested earlier this week remain in custody. He said the court process is underway for the three, who were intimidating people not to vote.
They have made their first appearance and they will appear in court again on 15 August for bail application.
General Phahlane said they are pursing more people in Vuwani.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the 10th person linked to the political killings in the area has been arrested. He was found with five firearms.
General Phahlane called on communities and all role players to remain responsible and to respect the rights, lives and property of others.
“If people break the law, we will intervene. We won’t be spectators.” – SAnews.gov.za
